Roadworks
SH1 Tokoroa to Ātiamuri
Works and a full block closure started at 5am Monday, 7 October 2024 and will take six weeks to complete (weather permitting). SH1 is closed from the SH1/SH32 Tokoroa intersection to the SH1/SH30 intersection north of Ātiamuri.
Full block closures and detours are needed to carry out road rebuilding work. This involves milling out the existing road surface and replacing it with new material and foam stabilised bitumen. Additional works including shoulder widening, drainage improvement, sign repairs, resealing and line marking will take place during the closure. Additional maintenance activities, where required, will be undertaken.
All north and south bound vehicles will be detoured 24/7. SH1 traffic heading to Taupō and further south will be detoured via SH32 and SH30 and vice versa. It is estimated that the detour will add around 34 minutes, and 47.4km to the journey.
Alternative routes to SH1
For those travelling further distances, such as from south of Waiouru all the way up to a destination north of Tīrau (or vice versa), there is an alternative route.
Not only is it a very scenic route, it will also take a very similar journey time, and may even be quicker while the various detours are in place at the moment.
From Hamilton, take SH3 to Te Kūiti, and then SH4 to Taumarunui and National Park, then SH49 to Ohakune and on to Waiouru (same route if you are heading north reversed).
Information for freight
A special page has been set up on the NZTA Waka Kotahi website for freight, and the most up to date information will be there, which is relevant to all those in the freight industry. Currently there are some links to an HPMV map and HPMV information.
NZTA Waka Kotahi have been holding regular meetings with many of the freight industry leaders, and these have been very useful to us as we develop the plans for this project.
One point to reiterate is that everyone (trucks and cars) must stick to the confirmed and official detours. There are good reasons for not using shortcuts (also known as "rat runs" in transport talk). For instance, in a forthcoming night closure from Piarere to Tīrau, we will be closing Totman Road to through-traffic during the works. There is a structure on this route that is not suitable for HPMV, and an unprotected rail crossing, both of which mean this route is not a safe option, especially during night closures.